I think you are forgetting that The Cardinal will probably be Stomped-Out by the
U of O Ducks who are 5-1 now, with a by-week in progress. And if USC beats the Ducks on Halloween, they they will still be 7-2, 6-1 Pac 10.

The Rose Bowl belongs to eith SC or UO.

]]>By: elPalohttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26060
elPaloMon, 12 Oct 2009 18:23:43 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26060So it was the kiss of death when JW announced last week that the Cardinal could be Rose bowl contenders. Take a look at what happened with Berkeley when JW made his preseason call. I’m glad that he’s going to lay off on future predictions for Stanford, it can only bring bad luck.

However, JW’s assessment is on target. There are still deficiencies all the way around, most notably on defense. But I feel if the coaches can get those guys to play at a high level the ENTIRE game, then Stanford is competitive. They did win the 2nd half 21-7, and OSU took Stanford seriously till the end because they left all the starters for the entire game. And there was the blown first play, the missed McNally interception, etc. and if Stanford had converted any of those…. All this to say, if they just stay focused they can keep up with anybody, I mean ANY team (at least in the PAC-10). It’s those lapses that make the difference.

Steve Young said on Monday night during the Raiders game that Bill Walsh said each play is a battle of 4/10ths of a second. If you get there 4/10ths before the other guy, you win. Win a bunch of those during the game, then you win the game. All those missed tackles on Quizz were just 4/10ths off from stopping him, McNally was 4/10th off on the int. On the other hand, OSU was 4/10ths faster on most plays. For whatever reason, the Cardinal is just a bit slower on the road. Maybe they need to sleep in their own beds, maybe they party all night, or maybe they’re staying up and studying. Whatever the reason, they need to stay sharp and focused on the road to get that 4/10ths edge.

]]>By: fredphttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26059
fredpMon, 12 Oct 2009 16:01:24 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26059Arizona, like Stanford, will be playing Cal, Oregon, and USC later in the season. This week’s game is seen by each team as not just “winnable” but as a “must win” game to keep pace in the conference race (esp for Arizona, since it’s a home game). Stanford and Arizona both have strong offenses and okay (at best) defenses. Keys for Stanford will be to dominate with the running attack, to avoid turnovers, and to get an early lead. If Arizona is able to contain TG and the Stanford ground game, and to get a lead, Stanford seems unlikely to prevail in a passing shootout between Andrew Luck and Nick Foles. Luck is going to be a great quarterback in a year or two, but at the moment Foles is probably a step ahead.
]]>By: StanTheManhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26058
StanTheManMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:21:24 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26058USC & Oregon are clearly head and shoulders above everyone else in the conference. The rest of the bowls spots are still up for grabs with everyone except Washington St still able to grab one.
]]>By: Real Idahoans go to U of Ihttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26057
Real Idahoans go to U of IMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:18:26 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26057No need to panic Stanford fans. ESPN still projects Stanford as the 3rd best team in the conference and going to the Sun Bowl. That sounds like an 8 or 9 win season to me.

No need for fear, Stanford fans. ESPN projects Idaho as going to the Humanitarian Bowl. So you don’t have to worry about playing the mighty Vandals in the postseason.

]]>By: Stanford Familyhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26056
Stanford FamilyMon, 12 Oct 2009 13:29:54 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26056Why I’m picking Stanford to beat the Mildcats by 11: No way Arizona bounces back from their devastating last minute loss to Washington. Arizona’s team pscyhe is shot. Meanwhile, Stanford is inspired by their 2nd half road win vs OSU (as properly noted above by SF). Stanford stumbled in the first half in Corvallis. No big deal. They’ve already picked themselves up, with three second half scores. Arizona did a second half face plant in the Pacific Northwest, and it will have a negative carryover effect. Cardinal by 11.
]]>By: Stan Fordhttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26055
Stan FordMon, 12 Oct 2009 04:58:45 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26055Looks like “milo” is back as “Staan The Maan”.

“Papa John” says, “I agree with JW’s assessment. Stanford’s not going to the Rose Bowl this year. Period. I would be satisfied with 6-6 but am hoping for 7-5……….This does not look like an 8-4 or better team. But as for next year..…We’re Encouraged!”

My sentiments exactly, Papa J. I think the Cardinal will end up in the middle of the Pac-10 pack and, hopefully, get a bowl game appearance.

Also, for those who want to tear down Stanford so as to make their own teams look better, may I remind you Stanford beat OSU in the second half 21 to 7. Yes, they lost, but they didn’t give up a la Cal.

]]>By: Stanford High Lifehttp://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/2009/10/11/stanfords-march-to-the-rose-bowl-stumble-or-face-plant/comment-page-1/#comment-26054
Stanford High LifeMon, 12 Oct 2009 04:40:04 +0000http://blogs.mercurynews.com/collegesports/?p=9667#comment-26054Love to see Stanford go 8-4 this year. But the most important thing for Year-III of Coach Harbaugh is making a bowl. And I’m starting to agree with the premise that 6 wins/minimum bowl eligibility might not secure a bowl invite in 2009. Too many teams from the Pac-10 can end up with a 7-5 winning record and go bowling instead. So for Stanford to secure 7 wins, I think they really need to do it at Arizona. If they win and improve to 5-2, I like their chances of finishing 7-5. If they lose and fall to 4-3, I’m not as confident they can win 3 of their final 5 despite the favorable number of home games. Since Saturday against Arizona is a critical game in making this a memorable bowl season, I have to believe Coach Harbaugh will have his team ready and they will leave the desert victorious.
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